Growing up in Maple Grove, learning how to be a magician was difficult. There was no internet to order magic tapes and books yet. I often found myself begging my parents to drive me to into downtown Minneapolis or Downtown St. Paul. This was because our magic shops are located in the big city. The itch to be a magician had set in at a young age. I found the best way to learn magic was to hang out with other magicians! And believe it or not, we have two different clubs for local Twin Cities magicians.

The first is called S.A.M. The Society of American Magicians is the oldest fraternal organization for magicians in the world. There are chapters all around the world and including here in the Twin Cities. Here it’s S.A.M Assembly 12. Back when I first got involved, at 11 years old, kids weren’t allowed yet. They had to have a special voting session in order to determine if they could let me in early. I think they could all see my passion for magic and therefore made the exception to let me know. I am forever grateful as I learn a ton of fundamentals at these meetings. My fellow magicians were always very supportive. Back then the meetings would rotate amongst members’ homes. I recall convincing my parents on hosting a meeting.

I can only imagine what my father said to his fellow team members at Target corporation the Monday after our house was inundated with magicians from all over Minnesota. I recall it was fun because we put a mini magic show in my living room with numerous magicians.

The other organization that is represented here is I.B.M. No not computers! The International Brotherhood of Magicians. Here their chapter is called Ring 19

They’ve always met at the Twin Cities Magic & Costume shop in St. Paul. Even though the shop is no longer in downtown Saint Paul, the IBM meetings still take place there. There are some of the same magicians that attend both but not a lot. What’s amazing is I.B.M Ring 19 has been around since 1941! SAM Assembly 12 started back in the early 1920’s.

Not a lot of fraternal organizations can say they’ve been around that long let alone single chapters. It’s just goes to show the sense of community the magicians in Minnesota and mostly of Minneapolis St. Paul have for each other. Although the majority of the members aren’t full time professional magicians, they all contribute to the art of magic in numerous ways.

I recall being very young and deciding to enter the magician contest. Any local magician was invited to compete. I did and won first place in the “non-member” category. Remember, they didn’t allow kids yet!

Here’s a pic

One thing that I’ve always loved about the magicians near me is they’re always willing to support one another. And before the internet and social media we mostly did that in person at our monthly magician meetings. I’ll never forget those days that would end up helping shape my career as a magician in the Minneapolis area.

——– UPCOMING EVENTS FOR MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL LOCAL MAGICIANS: MINNESOTA ——–

DECEMBER 9 (Monday)
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS Ring #19 general meeting
Broadway Pizza (in banquet room)
2025 West River Rd N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
https://goo.gl/maps/VxNvAXs4Yt42
6:30pm (but feel free to come early and grab something to eat! Food and beverages also served throughout the meeting)
The theme: TBA
https://www.ibmring19.com/

DECEMBER 13 (Friday)
MAGICAL GIFT EXCHANGE
7pm
Regency Wood’s Community Room
2200 Plymouth Road in Minnetonka (just west of the Ridgedale Center Mall).
ALL S.A.M. MEMBERS, I.B.M. MEMBERS, AND OTHER LOCAL MAGICIANS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
Please bring some food to share with the group.
Also, please bring a wrapped magic gift valued at $15 to $20 for the “Magical Gift Exchange.” It should be a “complete” performable trick (with instructions) in good condition — a magic book or pamphlet, a magic DVD, or magic memorabilia item. We will play a game for the wrapped gifts. Open them. Then everyone will have a chance to “steal” someone else’s present.
The community room has a small mini 12-seat theater. If you would like to bring a small performance, please do so. If we have time, we’ll do a round table discussion on Scotch and Soda (or Dime and Penny). Feel free to bring your favorite routine or ideas.
It promises to be an evening full of holiday fun. Please plan to attend. Bring a magic friend or family member! Don’t forget to bring a wrapped gift and food to share with everyone.

DECEMBER 14 (Saturday)
TWIN CITIES YOUNG MAGICIANS monthly meeting
at Twin Cities Magic & Costume
2044 Robert St. S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
12 noon – 2pm
Teach-A-Trick, Open Stage

DECEMBER 14 (Saturday)
SECOND SATURDAY at TCM&C
at Twin Cities Magic & Costume
2044 Robert St. S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
9am to 10am
Free Food, Door Prizes and Magic

JANUARY 11 (Saturday)
TWIN CITIES YOUNG MAGICIANS monthly meeting
at Twin Cities Magic & Costume
2044 Robert St. S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
12 noon – 2pm
Teach-A-Trick, Open Stage

JANUARY 11 (Saturday)
SECOND SATURDAY at TCM&C
at Twin Cities Magic & Costume
2044 Robert St. S, West St. Paul, MN 55118
9am to 10am
Free Food, Door Prizes and Magic

JANUARY 13 (Monday)
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS Ring #19 general meeting
Broadway Pizza (in banquet room)
2025 West River Rd N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
https://goo.gl/maps/VxNvAXs4Yt42
6:30pm (but feel free to come early and grab something to eat! Food and beverages also served throughout the meeting)
The theme: TBA

JANUARY 17 (Friday)
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS ASSEMBLY #12 GENERAL MEETING
7pm
Eagle Magic And Joke Store (612-333-4702)
11995 County Road 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
http://www.sam12.org/
Please bring something to share and show.

I recently just re-joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Here is my profile page